Marina del Rey Auto Repair

Was the work ever done? Sure doesn't look like it. My body shop sent my car to Villa Marina 76 for mechanical work without getting my approval. I was not happy about that, because I choose shops carefully; but by the time I found out about it, it was too late to request the allegedly replaced parts back for inspection. I examined the assembly in question, but since it had been supposedly replaced with used parts (which is often just fine), it was impossible to determine if anything had really been done. I was suspicious because there wasn't so much as a fresh mark anywhere on the assembly, but I wasn't about to pay to have the whole thing disassembled and checked by another shop. Fast forward SIX YEARS. I take my car in to my regular shop to get a worn-out wheel bearing replaced. In the process of fixing it, they find extensive damage that resulted from driving around with, you guessed it, the original problem that was supposed to have been fixed six years ago. This revelation of course supported my original suspicion and explained some perplexing problems I'd experienced since the "repair", problems that I hadn't connected with the earlier damage but now made perfect sense. So I had to shell out over $1000 to repair not only what Villa Marina was supposed to have fixed, but also to replace parts that were destroyed by the bent state of the car all this time. That's in addition to almost $2000 charged by Villa Marina originally. Of course now everyone can throw up their hands and claim "that's too long ago" to do anything about it, despite being presented with full documentation of the original work. AVOID.

I needed a smog check and my buddy Joe who is a mechanic there suggested that I bring my car by. I was greeted by Joe and Scott. Joe took my car and Joe wrote up the paperwork. Looking around the grounds I found that this place is immaculate, the staff is all in crisp, clean unifroms and they are all very happy and helpful. Once my car was done it was pulled over to the fuel pumps where two men began to clean the windows while I went in to pay the bill. This is by far the most efficient, clean and professional 76 filling station I have seen anywhere!

I started taking my car here for service 16 months ago and this place is great. I initially took my car here to fix what a bad mechanic didn't. They are reasonably priced, very fast in getting the job done and really nice to work with. They are one of the few good mechanics you can trust.

My employee lost his wallet and needed gas. I'm over an hour from Marina Del Ray, but my employee was there on a construction job. I really didn't want to drive an hour there and an hour back just to fill up my guy's tank. I called SIX different gas stations in the area, and this was the first station that would accept remote payment. Cary had the perfect solution - he faxed me a form which I filled out to give him my ID and let him know I was for real. My guy came, and then Cary even followed up by calling me after it was all done! Now THIS was service. And he saved me probably $60 at LEAST by not having another employee drive down there just to handle this. Cary's on my good list and if I ever need anything in Marina Del Ray again, he's my man.

I had never thought that I would one day review a gas station of all places, but this place is truly amazing. I was in a really bad mood yesterday and to top it off my gas was empty so it made me even more mad. This was the first gas station that I found, and it lifted my mood by 100%. The people doing the full service were so friendly and efficient that I felt like I would burst into tears. The fact that I did not even know this was a full service place was a pleasant surprise. Even though they seemed very busy with a lot of customers, they still gave me all their attention and asked me if I wanted an oil change, tire inspection, etc.

I brought my car here and needed to get my transmission replaced. Not only did they finish on time, but under the original estimate. The staff here is extremely helpful and will keep you updated on what's happening with your car. Ask for Scott, he made a stressful situation as easy and painless as possible. Thanks guys!

The best gas station in the Marina. Not watered down or over priced, unlike the stations nearby.. Also a terrific staff that is so friendly (you NEVER get that at a gas station, at least it's the last thing I'd expect to receive). They always offer to check your oil even if you're not doing the full service option - though I never accept since I am never prepared with enough cash to tip. At the self service side of the station, the attendant is always aware of who is pulling in and out, making it easy to avoid fuster clucks and potential verbal arguments with another driver.. Their full service is so awesome. They treat your car as if it were their own, making sure you don't leave with any problems. Comes with an oil check, tire check (and they do a great job investigating low tires to see if you got any holes), and thorough window washes (even the top of your car! no more bird shits stains you can't see!) You can get a stamp card each time you go through the full-service and after the 10th stamp you get a free oil change. Not too shabby.

There's something about this gas station that makes me a fan.

My two experiences here have been having my car fixed (except buying gas a handful of times). As I started driving home one night, I head a grinding sound as soon as I started. It wasn't severe, so I just proceeded home, hoping I'd be able to look into it the next morning. After driving eight miles on the freeway, I get close to my house and suddenly hear a big 'CLUNK' while at a red light, that sounded like my whole transmission fell off. The drive axle joint (from transmission to rear wheel axle) had broken from the transmission end and literally fallen onto the street, with the rear part still attached. I was really luck, because if this had happened while driving, especially at freeway speeds, it would likely have pitched my car up off its rear wheels and rolled it on the freeway like you see in the 'Lethal Weapon' movies. (I credit my SGI-USA Buddhist practice for this protection, but that's another story). Anyway, the guys at Villa Marina came promptly (I called AAA) and had it towed to their shop and gave me a ride home! The next day, they were able to get the part and fix it quickly. They also mounted a brace (that I'm sure should have been there to begin with) that prevents it from falling to the ground if it eber breaks again. Super nice and helpful! There was another time I had some repairs, which I don't recall the details of, but I remember it went off 'without as hitch'.

Had a slow leak in my "run-flat" tire. Scott at Villa Marina took me in right away, fixed the flat & had me on my way in 20 minutes for $15!!! You can't buy a BMW key-fob for that amount of money. All where friendly & courteous. I'll be back!!